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DPH Biologicals Builds on Research and Development Commitment To Quantify Full Potential of Biologicals
To instill confidence and foster innovation in the agricultural biologicals sector, DPH Biologicals announced the expansion of its science-first, data-verified approach with a multi-year effort to quantify the comprehensive value potential of biologicals.
“DPH Bio has been committed to science that yields results from day one. Based on multi-year field research and through collaborations with our partners, we aim to provide customers a deeper understanding of the distinct value potential unlocked by biologicals,” said Mick Messman, President and CEO of DPH Bio, speaking at the 2024 Commodity Classic agricultural trade show in Houston that annually convenes thousands of growers. “Historically, return-on-investment has been measured by the cost to increase yield. However, our customers see the long-term value that biologicals deliver, such as improved soil health, water use efficiency, disease control, and plantability.”
A review of 107 corn trials conducted over three years using TerraTrove SP-1 Classic revealed increased fertilizer efficiency in addition to average yield increase of 2.5 bu/A.
“Although yield is an important metric, we believe it’s critical for growers to be able to measure the holistic value of biologicals in the field and across their entire business,” said Messman. “As we expand our portfolio and industry partnerships, we are pioneering the concept of ‘BioAgonomics’ to capture and maximize the full value proposition of biological solutions. As we further analyze the data, we are seeing some interesting trends based on management practices and soil conditions.”
For example, in a multi-year study, SP-1 averaged 6.5 more bushels per acre in high-yield, 220-bushel per acre corn in the Midwest.
DPH Biologicals Introduces BioAgonomics™ to Redefine On-Farm Value
Defined by DPH Bio as the branch of knowledge in agriculture focused on the connection between agronomic practices in crop production and the transfer and consumption of value uniquely unlocked by biologicals, BioAgonomics™ uses biologicals to create sustainable profitability and ingenuity across the supply chain, delivering the highest value in the field and for channel partners, including growers, ag retailers and advisors, product manufacturers and food companies.
For instance, TerraTrove™ Residuce® Complete delivers more than increased yield and fertilizer savings. As a comprehensive biodigester, Residuce accelerates the breakdown of crop residue, like corn stover and tough organic matter. A Michigan State University study revealed that corn stover contains 100 pounds of nitrogen (N), 50 pounds of phosphorus (P), and 210 pounds of potassium (K) an acre on a 200- bushell crop. In a recent field trial, Residuce delivered 19.7% degradation after a fall application. By leveraging these findings, Residuce can be calculated to provide 19.7 pounds of N, 9.85 pounds of P and 41.37 pounds of K, or more than $45 per acre in fertilizer savings.
Furthermore, additional value can be quantified by accounting for factors, such as more uniform seedling emergence, reduced farm equipment wear and tear, reduction of the disease host, and improved plant standability, as well as the retention and conversion of carbon within the soil. Through collaborations with trusted advisors, including prominent researchers at University of Illinois, DPH Bio will continue to collect and evaluate data to calculate biologicals’ comprehensive value to growers in aspects beyond yield.
“With advanced scientific research and on-farm trials, results can easily be seen in the field, but we aspire for more,” said Messman. “The pivotal convergence of biologicals, agronomy and economics holds the key for a triple bottom-line impact by improving crop production, land stewardship and rural livelihoods. Looking ahead, and in collaboration with our partners, our mission is to give growers an even clearer, comprehensive view of their investment in biologicals.”
For more information, growers participating in Commodity Classic are invited to visit DPH Bio at Booth 6945 on the third floor of the George Brown Convention Center. In addition, the company plans a series of workshops, including a CropLife webinar on March 5th.
About DPH Biologicals
DPH Biologicals, LLC attracts, develops and scales technologies improving broad market access and simplifying the grower experience with biologicals. Based on investments in scientific research, field testing, partner relationships and product development, and leadership-owned since 2024, DPH Bio yields success through science and relationships, standing at the leading edge of clarity, trust and proven, profitable solutions for agricultural biologicals. For more information, visit www.dphbio.com.
Media Contact
Sara Winters
Media Contact
Sara Winters
sara@agtechpr.com
Cognia to Acquire CenterPoint Education Solutions
Cognia®, the leader in school improvement and evaluation, announced today that it is acquiring fellow nonprofit CenterPoint Education Solutions, which supports educators in their use of assessment and curriculum. This acquisition, which was approved by Cognia’s board of directors Tuesday, enables Cognia to expand its assessment program to offer curriculum-based assessments offered at multiple intervals during the year.
The new assessments and aligned professional learning offered by CenterPoint provide an alternative for state education agencies, districts, and schools that want something more than traditional large-scale summative assessments. The assessments used by most states today for accountability purposes are not designed to help improve teaching and learning because they are given at the end of the year and do not reflect the curriculum that has been taught.
Based in Washington, D.C., CenterPoint has an extensive K-12 assessment item bank in mathematics, English language arts, and science. “CenterPoint is one of the most highly regarded curriculum-based assessment providers,” said Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia. “This acquisition allows Cognia to be competitive in an emerging market immediately—this will have a direct impact on our existing summative work.” Cognia now offers options for next-generation assessment of learning for students across K-12 with learning alignment between classroom instruction and student assessments that are aligned to state standards and meet accountability requirements.
“CenterPoint has an important resource in curriculum-based assessments that are of great value to schools, districts, and states,” said Sue Krause, interim CEO of Center Point. “Cognia has a vast network of schools, districts, and states that are committed to improvement and want their assessments to reflect what students are learning.”
CenterPoint works with schools, districts, and states to provide reliable curriculum-based assessments, high-quality academic services, and expert professional learning solutions. This acquisition primes Cognia for growth and expands what Cognia offers states and districts that are looking to improve and be more responsive to students, parents, and teachers.
“These are two like-minded, mission-driven organizations that together will develop opportunities for states to align assessment with curriculum, improve their accountability systems, and drive improvement,” said Laura Stover, managing director, ETS and former CEO of CenterPoint.
The acquisition expands Cognia Assessment Solutions from grades 3 to 8 in English language arts, mathematics, and science to a full complement of K-12 summative and interim curriculum-based assessment solutions. The important grant-funded work CenterPoint is doing in K-12 science assessment will continue. CenterPoint staff will become a part of Cognia to support the design and delivery of curriculum-based assessments, and professional learning training on assessment use and literacy. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by June 30, 2024. Cognia will assume responsibility for the operation of CenterPoint on July 1.
About CenterPoint
CenterPoint Education Solutions is a nonprofit organization that supports schools, districts, and states in designing and implementing aligned systems of high-quality curriculum, assessments, and professional learning that drive high achievement for all children.
About Cognia
Cognia® is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping schools and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and professional services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Find out more at cognia.org. The news release can be found on the website here.
Media Contact
Shep Ranbom
+1 202-365-4774
sranbom@communicationworks.com
Media Contact
Shep Ranbom
sranbom@communicationworks.com
Space Blue's Historic Achievement: Bitcoin Art and Ordinals Secure Spot in the Lunaprise Museum on the Moon
From Earth to Moon: A Journey of Bitcoin Art and Legacy
On a mission that sounds like the plot of a sci-fi blockbuster, the Lunaprise Moon Museum, aboard a payload in the SpaceX Falcon 9, embarked from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on February 15, 2022. Its successful lunar touchdown on February 22, 2024, as the Lunaprise museum was bolted to the lunar lander, was not just a triumph of logistics and engineering but a bold statement on the future of indestructive art.
Dallas Santana, the curator and founder behind Space Blue, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. With an exhilarating career spanning defense contracting, executive producing programming for major television networks, and pioneering Web 3.0 innovative projects minting on the blockchain the first sneakers, some of the first photo collections, and Academy Awards moments. Santana's latest venture curating art being permanently placed in space is a testament to his vision of merging cutting-edge technology available with the brilliant inventors of the nickel Nanofiche disks that are the lunar library, with human expression in art. He comes from a family who set records in technical innovation and art, his family are Ivy League graduates in art and art history, his grandparents both art professors set a world record for their art collection sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, and his grandfather was a young Yale engineer, working in media innovations with radio pioneer de Forest on the first broadcast of radio over bodies of water across Cape Cod.
The first project sent to the moon to be inscribed on Bitcoin for future art authentication was a motion picture and art collection called "The 9th Raider", a post-apocalyptic film (think Mad Max) Santana directed and which was funded entirely through Ethereum and Bitcoin, stands archived as the first feature film in the Lunaprise Museum on the moon. To make the film, Santana teamed up in projects with many of the other web 3.0 leaders including casting CL7, the most influential industry-famous digital art collector and the largest most influential collector of space art in the world. CL7 was cast in a starring role as an astronaut selected by AI in the future to save mankind by attempting to retrieve a knowledge ark left on Mars. The motorcyclist and actor CL7 boasts a space art collection in the tens of thousands of art pieces. CL7's film frames from the movie are now inscribed on the nickel nano fiche disks on the moon set to last over 1 billion years and now inscribed on the Bitcoin network as bitcoin ordinals. Talk about Hollywood's legacy immortalized with your images from a movie poster on the moon for a billion years and as indestructible bitcoin will certainly outlast the rusty metal inscriptions torn up every year on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
A Legacy Encoded in Bitcoin Ordinals
The Lunaprise Moon Museum hosts the first-ever Bitcoin ordinal art, embedding digital masterpieces directly into Bitcoin's DNA. Among these, Marshmello, the first pet character to reach the moon since the iconic Snoopy, has landed, bringing a touch of "lovable" to this stellar collection. The lovable moon pup Marshmello has 1,111 art pieces in the Lunaprise and had 11 super rare art pieces inscribed as bitcoin ordinals at the birth of bitcoin art as an ordinal in early 2023 as well on the largest digital collectible network in the U.S. on Nifty Gateway, where her art pieces have reached floor prices of over $1 million.
What's a Bitcoin Ordinal?
A revolutionary canvas for digital artists, Bitcoin ordinals inscribe art into Bitcoin's foundational elements, bitcoin ordinal platforms marking a new era for art commerce with over $334 million in bitcoin ordinal art sales worldwide in January 2024 alone in a new art innovation barely a year old. Space Blue got into the bitcoin art alongside one of its marketing partners BitBasel, who is also announcing that they will launch lunar art on their bitcoin ordinal network soon.
A Dream Fueled by Passion and Purpose
Dallas Santana's journey from aspiring astronaut to space art curator is fueled by a lifetime of dreams and determination. Inspired by the Apollo missions and a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps heading for naval aviation, Santana's path to Space Blue has been anything but conventional. Today, his dream of space exploration lives on through the Lunaprise mission, blending art, history, and technology.
The Art of the Universe: Preserving Humanity's Legacy
Under Santana's curation, the Lunaprise mission carries a treasure trove of human creativity, from Stan Lee's marvels to masterpieces of the Renaissance. This celestial archive ensures that humanity's cultural and scientific achievements are preserved for millennia, symbolizing a leap forward in our quest to immortalize human knowledge and creativity.
A New Era of Lunar Exploration and Art
It is NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services and the Arch Mission Foundation, that make Space Blue's Lunaprise mission more than an artistic endeavor; it's a cornerstone for future lunar exploration, a vision for securing humanity's culture, and knowledge for billions of year and a testament to humanity's unyielding spirit of discovery.
How Bitcoin Art Projects Could Help Humanity with Impact Projects
Space Blue is building a global influential community for lovers of art and space with exhibits they do all over the world. Its vision is to be at the vanguard of merging space exploration with artistic expression, dedicated to inspiring humanity's celestial journey while championing impactful earthbound projects through art, film, and music. Discover their universe of projects and join the adventure at www.spaceblue.club.
For more information on "The 9th Raider" movie lunar collection, visit https://gamma.io/ordinals/collections/the-9th-raider.
For more information on Marshmello, the Arctic pup on the moon, visit https://gamma.io/ordinals/collections/marshmello.
For more information on the Legion Universe/Nova Family Offices Ordinals, visit https://gamma.io/ordinals/collections/legion-ordinals.
For more information on the "Climate Refugees" movie, visit http://www.climaterefugees.com.
Media Contact
Curator's Office
curator@spaceblue.club
Backpack Raises $17 Million Strategic Series A Round Led by Placeholder VC
The Backpack ecosystem of companies, creators of the Backpack wallet, the Mad Lads NFT collection, and Backpack Exchange, today announced the first joint closing of their $17 million strategic Series A round at a $120 million combined valuation. The round was led by Placeholder VC, with participation from a select group of other strategic investors including Hashed, Robot Ventures, Amber Group, Wintermute Ventures, Selini Capital, Delphi Digital, and founders of leading web3 ecosystems such as Solana, Tensor, Jito, Zeta, Marginfi, Drift, Monad, Galxe, and other influential supporters worldwide.
Armani Ferrante, CEO of Backpack commented on the news:
“The history of finance is littered with scandals, but Backpack is doing things differently. Over the past year, we’ve set the foundation to build a crypto-native financial institution, and with the conclusion of this round, with trust minimization and compliance as foundational principles, we begin a new chapter for ourselves and, hopefully, for the rest of the industry.”
The Backpack ecosystem comprises several products and services, including the popular Backpack noncustodial wallet, Backpack Exchange, a fully regulated global cryptocurrency exchange with industry-leading speed, security and functionalities, and Mad Lads, currently the top NFT community in the Solana ecosystem. Backpack is also the creator and developer of Anchor, the Solana smart contract framework, the executable NFT (xNFT) token standard, and others.
Backpack’s strategic fundraising was led by Placeholder VC. “We’ve been impressed with Backpack’s ability to not only deliver high-quality applications, but also build a strong community around their ecosystem,” said Joel Monegro, General Partner at Placeholder VC. “After building a relationship with the team over the past year, we’re convinced they have the skill, ambition and drive to create one of the most trustworthy global exchanges in the industry with a strong focus on performance, compliance, and auditability.”
“The Backpack team is an all-star team that really understands the community with a focus on building compliant services. Their ability to create the best user experience is top notch, and the synergies within their ecosystem are evidenced by their strong track record of user acquisition within the industry to date.” Baek Kim, General Partner at Hashed said. “We are very excited to work with the team and resonate deeply with their compliance standpoint in terms of being optimally regulated and entering the mainstream of the global financial infrastructure.”
The round also attracted strong interest from other leading web3 ecosystem players. “The Backpack team is a great example of what happens when crypto natives are also strong builders. They understand that crypto is not just the underlying technology, it is also the culture that forms around it,” said Evgeny Gaevoy, founder of Wintermute Ventures, one of the largest liquidity providers in digital assets, “For me, Backpack is having the success I would expect, when a team figures out the intersection of tech and culture. I’m excited to see them continue to grow.”
Backpack’s fundraising was applauded by the Solana ecosystem as well. “Backpack has not only pioneered exceptional products such as the Backpack Wallet but has also cultivated a remarkable community through the Mad Lads. Armani and the Backpack team have exemplified what it means to focus on great products and user experiences and iterate relentlessly,” said Anatoly Yakovenko, founder of Solana Labs, “Watching Backpack build a global exchange that stands out for its user experience and trustworthiness has been truly inspiring.”
About Backpack Wallet
Backpack Wallet is an all-in-one web3 app that functions as a noncustodial wallet, allowing users to buy, hold, sell, and transfer cryptocurrencies, as well as interact with xNFTs, a popular NFT standard that tokenizes applications. Backpack Wallet is also the creator of Mad Lads, the top NFT collection in the Solana ecosystem. For additional information on Backpack Wallet, visit https://www.backpack.app.
About Backpack Exchange
Backpack Exchange is a fully regulated global cryptocurrency exchange innovating to provide an exciting, fun, and easy-to-use trading platform for both experienced and new web3 users worldwide. For more information, visit backpack.exchange.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Backpack
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BackpackExchange
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backpackexchange
Media Contact
Qimei Luo
Media Contact
Qimei Luo
press@backpack.exchange
Brayden Pierce Makes History as First Music Artist with an Electronic Dance Song Archived on the Moon's Lunar Museum with "Capture the Moon (MOOON.PARTY Mix)"
The Lunaprise Museum, curated by Dallas Santana (Founder of Space Blue), handpicked Brayden Pierce’s transcendent track, "Capture the Moon," in early 2023, cementing his status among 222 artists chosen to be archived on the moon for a billion years. The Lunaprise Museum landing not only signifies the establishment of the first museum beyond Earth, but also serves as a beacon of human creativity and ingenuity. Leveraging patented technologies and blockchain authentication, Lunaprise pioneers a historic disruption in space tech, offering collectors rare, verified assets linked to twin digital files stored in the lunar museum.
Click here to listen to "Capture the Moon (MOOON.PARTY Mix)"
https://www.tiktok.com/@braydenpierce_
https://www.facebook.com/braydenpiercemusic
To learn more future of music, visit Soundromeda here.
Media Contact
Brayden Pierce
brayden@soundromeda.com
Lunaprise Moon Museum's Historic Lunar Art Landing Marks New Era of Creativity at Lunar South Pole (80.13°S, 1.44°E)
This event marks more than a milestone in technological achievement; it celebrates the enduring spirit of its contributors. Faced with potential extinction in 2022, the Modernist project, under the stewardship of Kelly Max and Samy Halim, not only survived but thrived, emerging as one of the most celebrated art collections both on Earth and now, uniquely, in space. Their journey from near dissolution to achieving a place among the stars highlights the resilience and unity that the endeavor inspired. This remarkable story of overcoming adversity underscores the transformative power of art and belief to foster hope and bring people together across the universe.
The Modernist Artworks: A Legacy Encased in Moon Dust
The digital "Modernist Art" collection, a collaborative effort between Kelly Max and Samy Halim, features the MoonRider piece, a digital tapestry carrying 180 names pivotal to their journey. This collection also comprises 420 Modernist originals and 9,724 generative Modernist genesis artworks. Selected for lunar preservation, these pieces embody human creativity and the collective spirit of innovation, expected to last over a billion years on the lunar surface.
Brayden Pierce's contribution, the soul-stirring "Capture the Moon", becomes the first electronic dance song to grace the lunar landscape. Available in two versions: The Modernist Edition and the MOOON.PARTY Mix, Pierce's work symbolizes a bridge between worlds, echoing humanity's aspirations and dreams among the stars. Pierce states:
"Being part of this lunar legacy is an honor that transcends words, to have 'Capture the Moon' play among the stars is a dream realized."
Kelly Max reflects on what makes this journey so unique:
"What's truly special about our work and this historic moment is our passion for sharing this incredible journey with the world, to foster unity, belief, and mutual respect. Through the Modernist collection's inclusive art, the MoonRider's celebration of collective contributions, and Capture the Moon's musical bridge to space, we aim to cultivate a sense of global connection. MOOON.PARTY transcends mere events—it's about crafting a lasting community, inviting all to embrace this new viewpoint. Our vision of Earth from the moon inspires us to dream bigger and offer a unifying perspective for humanity. The Moonview."
The Lunaprise Museum, curated by Dallas Santana (founder of Space Blue), not only marks the establishment of the first extraterrestrial museum but also showcases the limitless potential of artistic expression. Through the preservation and authentication of digital assets using blockchain, this initiative promises to keep the essence of human creativity alive for eons, inspiring future generations to explore the unknown.
Dive into the Artistic Cosmos
Join us on a journey beyond the stars and immerse yourself in the Lunaprise Museum's extraordinary collection. Discover the stories behind the Modernist Artworks, experience "Capture the Moon" by Brayden Pierce, and be part of a community that's redefining the boundaries of art and music.
For more information about the Lunaprise Moon Museum, its curation by SpaceBlue, and the historic contributions of Kelly Max, Samy Halim, and Brayden Pierce, please visit https://spaceblue.club/projects/lunaprise-mission.
To listen to "Capture the Moon (MOOON.PARTY Mix)," please visit https://hypeddit.com/braydenpierce/capturethemoon.
Media Contact
Claudia Safavi
Media Contact
Claudia Safavi
claudia@taraink.com
Park Slope Cleaning Awarded WBE Certification by New York State
This certification is a significant milestone for Park Slope Cleaning as it demonstrates the company's commitment to promoting diversity and supporting women-owned businesses in the commercial cleaning industry. By obtaining WBE certification, Park Slope Cleaning is now positioned to further expand its reach and serve a wider range of clients in the New York State area.
As a leading provider of commercial cleaning and janitorial services in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, Park Slope Cleaning's M/WBE and WBE certifications set it apart from competitors and showcases its dedication to excellence and inclusivity. Clients can trust that Park Slope Cleaning not only delivers top-notch cleaning services but also upholds the values of diversity and empowerment in the business community.
According to Diana Ciechorska, General Manager of Park Slope Cleaning, "We are thrilled to receive WBE certification from the state of New York. This recognition validates our ongoing efforts to provide exceptional cleaning services while championing women-owned businesses in the industry."
Looking ahead, Park Slope Cleaning plans to leverage its WBE certification to forge new partnerships, expand its client base, and continue delivering superior cleaning solutions to businesses across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.
For more information about Park Slope Cleaning and its services, visit https://www.parkslopecleaning.com.
About Park Slope Cleaning
Park Slope Cleaning is a leading M/WBE and WBE-certified commercial cleaning company based in New York City. Renowned for its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, Park Slope Cleaning provides a comprehensive range of cleaning services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in the New York City area.
Media Contact
Media Contact
Diana Ciechorska
info@parkslopecleaning.com
The Global Kratom Coalition Applauds FDA Clinical Research on Kratom
- Access: The belief that individuals should have a choice as to how they look after their health, informed by the latest unbiased information available.
- Education: Providing accurate, evidence-based information about kratom (including on our website), allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
- Advocacy: Serving as a united voice for kratom consumers worldwide, seeking fair and sensible regulations that prioritize consumer safety, freedom of information, and good sourcing and manufacturing practices.
- Community: Fostering a global group of enthusiasts, experts, vendors, and advocates to promote the benefits of kratom and fight for informed and responsible use.
- Responsibility: Promoting the responsible use of kratom and encouraging vendors to adhere to strict quality and safety standards so that consumers have access to products that are safe, well-manufactured, and appropriately labeled.
Media Contact
Matthew Lowe
mlowe@globalkratomcoalition.org
Media Contact
Matthew Lowe
mlowe@globalkratomcoalition.org
Beloved Arctic Pup Character Marshmello Has Hitched a Ride on a SpaceX Falcon 9 and Will Now Be Immortalized on the Moon
As the first Bitcoin art project to reach the moon, Marshmello's collection employs Bitcoin Ordinals to ensure authenticity and provenance, connecting collectors on Earth with their counterparts on the Lunaprise. This innovative approach not only celebrates the bond between humans and pets but also pioneers a new era of digital art collection and preservation.
Perhaps thousands or millions of years from now, future archeologist will unearth the archive on the moon to discover that indeed someone on Earth loved their pet. At the entrance to the archive on Lunaprise upper layers of discs, before you get to see Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci paintings inscribed like cave drawings on nickel materials, you will find the modern-era Sphinx guarding the Great Pyramid, this time it is Marshmello, the beloved dog who lived on planet Earth and witnessed the space program connecting and meeting its many astronauts and scientists and who witnessed the actual launch of her artwork on the Space X Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center on February 15, 2024.
The project is the brainchild of the real human pet owner, Space Blue curator Dallas Santana, who travels everywhere with the real-life Marshmello, a tiny white Artic fox-type Pomeranian that many in the space and arts community have come to adore.
"The moment I got appointed to oversee the curation of this project, I had my mind set that we would include a dog, a symbol of humanity's best friend and companion on planet Earth and a great way for families and children to connect and understand the Artemis vision and urgent need for specific storage off-Earth of a backup of our culture art, science, animal and biological DNA, digital files and the stories of human connection with animals pets," said Santana, curator of the Space Blue arts program.
Meanwhile on Earth, Marshmello the Arctic pup artwork will be auctioned off by Space Blue and 100% donated towards impactful projects for humanity. Through a space impact foundation called SI Fund each digital art piece that goes to the Lunaprise Moon Museum will have Earth-based twin files that are authenticated through blockchain technology. The sale of these helps to funnel proceeds to help humanity in various areas of need. Marshmello is well-known to social media stars. NBC’s "Deal or No Deal" star Olga Safari introduced Marshmello to Logan Paul for a video series about his dog Kong. In this series, Kong is looking for a date and discovers the new love of his life, a tiny teacup arctic fox Pomeranian he then dubbed “wifey." The video series with the romance completed with the episode “Smash Love Pad,'' resulting in over 50 million views. Marshmello was also spotted snuggling with models from "America’s Next Top Model." Also, she was featured on ABC’s "The Bachelor" television promotion with her cryptopreneur "Daddy Dog.” Marshmello most recently appeared in a Web 3.0 post-apocalyptic movie The 9th Raider. This is just one of many of Marshmello’s media feats managed by the team at Space Blue.
Space Blue: Honoring Our Cosmic Companions for Eternity
Discover more about this unprecedented mission and how Marshmello's art is making history on Space Blue's official website and Marshmello's digital collectibles website.
Media Contact
Curator's Office
Media Contact
Curator's Office
curator@spaceblue.club
Leela AI Joins NVIDIA Metropolis To Amplify Its Visual Intelligence Platform for Manufacturing
Media Contact
Media Contact
Cyrus Shaoul
cyrus@leela-ai.com
BIPOC Pop 2024 Convenes Nation’s Premier Expo & Symposium Dedicated to Comics, Gaming, Animation, and Multimedia Arts, March 7–9
The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts will host BIPOC Pop 2024, a three-day event, March 7–9, that will create an extraordinary space for BIPOC creators, scholars, students, teachers, librarians, and industry innovators to explore and share as well as to build and solidify BIPOC alliances and strengthen community through the sharing of cutting-edge, creative, critical knowledge-making practices in the graphic storytelling arts. Awards will be given for Best Student Essay, Best Emerging Creator, Best Animated Short, Best Animated Doc., and Best Student Animated Short.
Workshops and panels will focus on topics such as Chicanofuturism, stories for youth empowerment, performing pop culture, history telling through zines, life tales, shaping new K–12 learning spaces, and more.
Esteemed presenters, workshop leaders, expo guests, and facilitators include high-profile players in the industry such as Chispa/Scout Comics publisher, Veronique Medrano, publisher; White House consultant and CEO of Ad Astra Media, José Morey, M.D.; award winning filmmaker and CEO of L21 Consulting, Ben Lopez; Marvel creator Kevin Garcia; award winning author, Harvard professor, and member of the Cherokee Nation, Daniel Justice; and, Angélique Roché, producer of Marvel’s Voices; among many others.
The event is the brainchild of Professor Frederick Luis Aldama, the Jacob & Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at UT Austin, who is also widely known as Professor Latinx. Aldama is a prolific writer, documentary filmmaker, and founder and director of UT Austin’s Latinx Pop Lab as well as the Latinx Pop Magazine.
BIPOC Pop came as a natural strategic move to put UT Austin on the map for the creating, teaching, and studying of Latinx/BIPOC comics, gaming, animation, and multimedia storytelling arts.
Dr. Aldama describes the impact of this trailblazing event: “We have lots of big cons across the country, but nothing that brings creatives, scholars, teachers, librarians, and industry leaders under one roof—and certainly nothing that puts BIPOC pop culture front and center. BIPOC POP shouts from rooftops that our stories matter. That we are vital shapers of culture at large!”
The symposium will take place March 7–9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Patton Hall Glickman Conference Center on the UT Austin Campus at 305 E. 23rd St. Partners include Ad Astra Media, UT’s Latino Studies, Project Males, University of North Texas, Texas Orange Jackets.
For more information on the event schedule and how to attend, visit the event website at www.bipocpop.com.
About the University of Texas at Austin College Liberal Arts
The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts is dedicated to promoting cutting-edge research that helps people better understand human history, society, and culture. With over forty majors, it is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive academic community in which all members are equally respected and valued.
Media Contact
Frederick Luis Aldama
+1 510-367-9112
Media Contact
Frederick Luis Aldama
aldama@utexas.edu
Pouring Empowerment: Sisters Pave the Way in Approachable Wine
The founders, Sarah and Emily Mack, are sisters who were fed up with how unapproachable and confusing wine can be. Emily Mack, co-founder and COO, says, "Every time I would tell a friend I was starting a wine company, they would apologize to me for not knowing enough about wine. To me, this was crazy! People who drink beer don't feel the need to know where the hops come from—why should wine be any different? We've become really determined to change this mindset. It's a high goal, but we'll start small and work our way there. Anyone can enjoy good wine; you don't have to be an expert."
Media Contact
Sarah Mack
hello@drinkvinat.com
Media Contact
Sarah Mack
hello@drinkvinat.com
PerVista Secures Investment from Farmers Restaurant Group Co-Founder and Co-Owner, Dan Simons
Investment from experienced founders like Dan Simons is further validation that PerVista's technology and team is well positioned to be a leader in digital security. In the first week alone, PerVista successfully raised more than 50% of their targeted goal of their Wefunder campaign.
"We are delighted to welcome Dan Simons to the PerVista family as an investor," said Vennard Wright, founder of PerVista. "His background in building and scaling Farmers Restaurant Group will be incredibly valuable as we ensure public spaces across DC, Maryland, and Virginia are protected. Given we have both spent the majority of our careers working locally in this community, this is a mission we share."
Today, PerVista's cutting-edge solutions have been deployed by the Baltimore Orioles, Prince George's County, and schools across Maryland, monitoring the safety and security of everyone entering these spaces each day. Funds from the Wefunder campaign will be used to further expand the company's operations and product, which are designed to be the most cutting edge solutions in the detection space.
"Our missions are more aligned than they may seem at first glance. Safety and wellness go hand in hand —a healthy lifestyle means nothing if our children and our neighbors are not safe," said Dan Simons, founder of Founding Farmers. "I am proud to participate in this Wefunder campaign to take PerVista to the next level."
For more information about PerVista and its mission to combat school shootings, please visit https://pervista.com and https://wefunder.com/pervista.
About PerVista
Located in the Washington, DC region, PerVista is a company dedicated to preventing school shootings through innovative technology and comprehensive solutions. By leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, and proactive intervention strategies, PerVista aims to create a safer environment for students and educators. The company also provides training programs and resources to educate schools and communities on early detection, crisis management, and intervention strategies. For more information, visit https://pervista.com.
Media Contact
Vennard Wright
vwright@pervista.com
Media Contact
Vennard Wright
vwright@wavewelcome.com
Fast-Growing UK Hair Brand Glaze Set To Shake Up U.S. Hair Category, Launching Into 354 Target Stores Nationwide and Online
Fast-growing UK hair brand Glaze—a subsidiary of parent company Waldencast UK Limited—expands its presence in North America with its first U.S. physical retail partner, launching with Target starting today into 354 brick and mortar stores nationwide and on target.com.
Founded in 2021, Glaze creates accessible, easy-to-use, high-performance hair products that deliver confidence boosting, salon-worthy, glossy hair all day, every day. The brand is PETA-Certified Vegan & Cruelty-Free making it well positioned to capture the hearts of Zillennial, and the Target shopper. The brand first launched with a category game-changing semi-permanent color conditioning gloss with its distinctive, easy-to-use squeezy round bottle. They have since expanded the range into Care with GlaziPlex 4-IN-1 Super Bond Repair Treatment in September 2023 with new innovation to come being announced Spring 2024.
Rolling out into Target, and supported with a nationwide U.S. influencer campaign will be:
- SuperGloss Conditioning Gloss ($18.00 RRP): like a tinted moisturizer for the hair, SuperGloss is powered by KINDColor Technology to condition, care, hydrate and repair the hair as it colors for healthier, glossier, more vibrant hair in 10 minutes. In 16 shades, from a universal gloss to specific shades for highlights along with blondes, brunettes and redheads. Five of the brand’s best-selling shades will be available in-store—universal Sheer Glow, Brilliant Bronde, Glaze Cherry, Sleek Espresso and Luminous Liquorice.
- GlaziPlex 4-IN-1 Super Bond Repair Treatment ($22 RRP): infused with our QuadBond Technology, this conditioning treatment transforms damage to shine in just four minutes. It protects, strengthens, protects and glazes, and designed to treat all four types of damage from styling and color to chemical and heat.
Waldencast Brands' Chief Business Officer, Dani Viloria says, “At Glaze we are all about providing accessible, easy-to-use, high-performance products with head-turning hair results. We are so excited to be launching with Target, a retail partner who shares our vision to help U.S. consumers nationwide achieve salon-worthy results right from their own shower.“
About Glaze
Founded in 2021, Glaze creates accessible, easy-to-use, high-performance hair products across color, care and styling that deliver confidence boosting, salon-worthy, glossy hair all day, every day. With care at their core, they are PETA-Certified Vegan & Cruelty-Free and have no parabens, no sulfates and no ammonia in any of their products. Available in the U.S. on Amazon and Glazehair.co and in the UK on Amazon and in Superdrug.
For more Information on Glaze:
Website: glazehair.co
Instagram: @glaze_hair
TikTok: @Glaze_Hair
Facebook: @glaze_hair
Pinterest: @glaze_hair
Media Contacts
Amanda Smeal
Aimee Moss
Media Contact
Amanda Smeal
amanda@amandasmeal.com
Wefunder Launches Founder Secrets Interview Series
This event is significant as it provides a platform for experienced founders to share their knowledge and insights with aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. By connecting successful founders with new entrepreneurs, Wefunder aims to foster a supportive community and provide valuable mentorship opportunities.
Wefunder's mission as a public-benefit corporation, with a goal to fund 20,000 more founders by 2029, aligns perfectly with the Founder Secrets kick-off event. By supporting and empowering founders, Wefunder is driving innovation and economic growth while creating opportunities for diverse and underrepresented entrepreneurs.
According to Rodenzuela, "We are thrilled to kick off the Founder Secrets event series with Andy Dunn. This platform will enable us to inspire and educate the next generation of entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive startup ecosystem."
In the future, Wefunder plans to expand the series to additional cities across the country, providing even more founders with access to valuable insights and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.
For more information and to register, visit the event listing on Pie here.
Media Contact
Serg Rodenzuela
serg@wefunder.com
Sui Reveals Initial Wave of Speakers, Famed Venue for First Annual Basecamp Event
The joint organizers behind the first annual global Sui conference, Sui Basecamp, today announced the initial wave of confirmed speakers for the Parisian event taking place on April 10 and 11, 2024. Sui Basecamp is a celebration of the developers and entrepreneurs building on Sui, the innovative Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform, and will feature speakers and thought leaders from all over the world and throughout the greater Web3 ecosystem.
Sui Basecamp’s initial wave of speakers includes:
- Arianna Simpson, General Partner at a16z
- Balaji S. Srinivasan, Angel Investor, Tech Founder and author of The Network State
- Meltem Demirors, Aspiring Cult Leader
- Evan Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Mysten Labs and Original Contributor to Sui
- Nikola Plecas, Global Head of Product GTM and Product Commercialization at Visa Crypto
- Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer at Binance
- Sam Blackshear, Chief Technology Officer at Mysten Labs and Creator of Move
- Vincent Chok, Chief Executive Officer of First Digital Trust
- Logan Jastremski, Managing Partner at Frictionless Capital
- Adeniyi Abiodun, Chief Product Officer of Mysten Labs
- Benoît Pellevoizin, Head of Marketing and Communications at CoinShares France
- Robert Knight, Features Writer at Cointelegraph
- Greg Siourounis, Managing Director of Sui Foundation
Hosted by Mysten Labs and Sui Foundation, Sui Basecamp will take place at two select venues—the first day and opening night party, Sui Soiree, will be at Pavillon Cambon Capucines, the former headquarters of Crédit Foncier de France, before attendees migrate to Pavillon Vendôme for the second day’s festivities. Both locations are adjacent to Paris Blockchain Week’s main event.
Early bird tickets, at the discounted prices of $99 USD, are available today through March 1. Ticket prices will remain discounted, at $149 USD, from March 2 through 31, then increase to the full price of $299 from April 1 until the event.
Registration is now open at https://sui.io/basecamp.
About Sui
Sui is a first-of-its-kind Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform designed from the bottom up to make digital asset ownership fast, private, secure, and accessible to everyone. Its object-centric model, based on the Move programming language, enables parallel execution, sub-second finality, and rich on-chain assets. With horizontally scalable processing and storage, Sui supports a wide range of applications with unrivaled speed at low cost. Sui is a step-function advancement in blockchain and a platform on which creators and developers can build amazing, user-friendly experiences. Learn more: https://sui.io
About Mysten Labs
Mysten Labs is a team of leading distributed systems, programming languages, and cryptography experts whose founders were senior executives and lead architects of pioneering blockchain projects. The mission of Mysten Labs is to create foundational infrastructure for web3. Learn more: https://mystenlabs.com
About the Sui Foundation
The Sui Foundation is an independent organization that is dedicated to the advancement and adoption of Sui. The Sui Foundation supports the Sui community and its projects that enable individuals and creators to have unprecedented ownership over their data and content.
Media Contact
Lexi Wangler
Sui Foundation
Media Contact
Sui Foundation
media@sui.io
Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust Posts Estimated 2023 Tax Information
Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (“the Trust”) today posted the estimated Federal income tax information of the Trust’s 2023 earnings to its website. Final information is anticipated to be posted no later than March 30, 2024. The information can be downloaded here.
Nothing contained herein or therein should be construed as tax advice. Consult your tax advisor for more information. Furthermore, you may not rely upon any information herein or therein for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Certificateholders are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to their specific tax treatment of the Trust’s distributions.
Additional information can be obtained on the Trust’s website.
About Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust
Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (the “Trust”) was established to acquire 160 retail properties and 6 warehouse distribution centers (the “Properties”) from J.C. Penney as part of its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The Trust’s operations consist solely of owning, leasing and selling the Properties. The Trust’s objective is to sell the Properties to third-party purchasers as promptly as practicable. The Trustee of the trust is GLAS Trust Company LLC. The Trust is externally managed by an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC. The Trust is intended to be treated, for tax purposes, as a liquidating trust within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-4(d). For more information, please visit https://www.ctltrust.net/.
Forward Looking Statement
This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements”. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “our vision,” “plan,” “potential,” “preliminary,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” or “would” or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology and include, but are not limited to, the Trust’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events and stock price performance. The Trust has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Trust believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control. These factors, including those discussed in the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Trust’s filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. The Trust cautions you that the list of important factors included in the Trust’s SEC filings may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may not in fact occur. The Trust undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
Media Contact
Jessica Cummins
+1 847-313-4755
Media Contact
Jessica Cummins
jcummins@hilcoglobal.com
Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust Posts Amended 2022 Tax Information
Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (“the Trust”) today posted amended Federal income tax information of the Trust’s 2022 earnings to its website. The previously posted tax information was amended to provide clarification on Schedule A row 170, Other Trust Income / (Expenses). This clarification does not apply to any of the Trust’s Monthly Report filings or its 2022 10-Q’s or 10-K. The information can be downloaded here.
Nothing contained herein or therein should be construed as tax advice. Consult your tax advisor for more information. Furthermore, you may not rely upon any information herein or therein for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Certificateholders are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to their specific tax treatment of the Trust’s distributions.
Additional information can be obtained on the Trust’s website.
About Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust
Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (the “Trust”) was established to acquire 160 retail properties and 6 warehouse distribution centers (the “Properties”) from J.C. Penney as part of its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The Trust’s operations consist solely of owning, leasing and selling the Properties. The Trust’s objective is to sell the Properties to third-party purchasers as promptly as practicable. The Trustee of the trust is GLAS Trust Company LLC. The Trust is externally managed by an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC. The Trust is intended to be treated, for tax purposes, as a liquidating trust within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-4(d). For more information, please visit https://www.ctltrust.net/.
Forward Looking Statement
This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements”. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “our vision,” “plan,” “potential,” “preliminary,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” or “would” or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology and include, but are not limited to, the Trust’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events and stock price performance. The Trust has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Trust believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control. These factors, including those discussed in the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Trust’s filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. The Trust cautions you that the list of important factors included in the Trust’s SEC filings may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may not in fact occur. The Trust undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
Contact Details
Jessica Cummins
+1 847-313-4755
Media Contact
Jessica Cummins
jcummins@hilcoglobal.com
NAFA Announces 2024 Board of Directors
NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, proudly announces its new 2024 Board of Directors, led by Mike Camnetar, CAFM, Fleet Services Manager for General Mills Inc. NAFA’s Board of Directors comprises professionals from many sectors and enterprises, including technology firms, urban municipalities, foodservice enterprises, healthcare entities and more.
“As we dive into the heart of our bylaws and strategic plan this year, it's clear that we're charting a course towards a stronger, more cohesive NAFA,” said Mike Camnetar, CAFM, NAFA Board President. “By embracing inclusivity in our governance and refining our strategic focus, we're not only enhancing the association's vitality but also fostering a more vibrant community for our members. This year's Board of Directors, with its diverse expertise and unwavering commitment, stands ready to spearhead this transformative journey, ensuring that every decision made reflects our dedication to advancing NAFA's mission and serving the needs of our esteemed members.”
The following individuals serving on NAFA’s 13-member 2024 Board of Directors:
- President: Mike Camnetar, CAFM, Fleet Services Manager for General Mills Inc.
- Senior Vice President: Maria Neve, Vice President – eFMC Services for Inspiration Mobility
- Vice President: Kevin Fisher, CAFM, Fleet Professional
- Secretary/Treasurer: Beth Cooley, CAFM, Director for the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Fleet Management
- Immediate Past President: Raymond Brisby, CAFM, Manager of EMS Fleet Operations for Alberta Health Services
- Sara Burnam, CAFM, Member, Director of Fleet Management for Palm Beach County, FL Fleet Management
- Al Curtis, Member, Fleet Director for Cobb County, GA Fleet Management
- David Hayward, CAFM, Member, Global Fleet Manager for ABM Industries
- Amy McAdams, CAFM, Member, Fleet Manager for Climate Pros
- William McCarty, Member, Chief Operating Officer for Illinois Central Management Services
- Bob Mossing, Member, Manager of Fleet Support and Operations for The Davey Tree Expert Company
- Alexis Reece, CAFM, Member, Fleet Analyst for Ferguson Enterprises
- Steven Saltzgiver, CAFS, Member, Director of Strategic Innovation for RTA Fleet Management Software
NAFA is pleased to welcome these expert fleet professionals and skilled individuals to the 2024 Board of Directors. Their dedication to the fleet and mobility world inspires innovation, creates progress and truly keeps the industry moving. For more information on NAFA, visit: https://www.nafa.org/
About NAFA Fleet Management Association
NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes; and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year.For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Media Contact
Keaveny Hewitt
919-622-5276
Media Contact
Keaveny Hewitt
khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com
Kratom Symposium Recap: World’s Leading Experts Explored Kratom Breakthroughs and Barriers
The conference focused on the natural herbal substance kratom. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves have long been used as a mood booster and energy enhancer. Despite being used traditionally in leaf form for centuries, kratom's regulatory status and safety are debated in countries around the world, including the U.S., where it is available in various forms, such as ground leaf, extracts, concentrates and isolates.
The Kratom Symposium aimed to build a more comprehensive understanding in the scientific community and encourage evidence-based decision-making within industry and regulators alike.
Science. Research presented at the event covered kratom's potential therapeutic benefits, including its role in endurance and productivity enhancement. Researchers also described kratom's abuse potential, adverse cognitive effects, and its impact on public health, particularly regarding its interactions with other substances and the extent of possible dangerous habit-forming potential. Presenters expressed a need for further scientific research, standardization of kratom products, better consumer education, and the importance of understanding kratom's pharmacology, safety profile, and potential benefits in clinical trials.
Policy. Policy discussions surrounding kratom focused on country-by-country guidelines and restrictions. Experts also discussed its regulatory status in the U.S. and the need for balanced approaches that ensure consumer safety while preserving access. Experts pointed to the need for comprehensive regulations governing the various forms of kratom sales and distribution, highlighting the importance of monitoring and promoting responsible marketing practices. Experts also described the potential impact of kratom on public health, including its use for endurance and productivity enhancement. Overall, stakeholders emphasized the need for evidence-based policymaking, collaborative efforts between researchers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, and further research to inform decision-making regarding kratom's legal status and regulation on two main fronts:
Processor responsibility. Researchers made it clear that ‘not all kratom is equal’, and as such, manufacturers of kratom extracts should maintain product consistency in line with the composition of native leaf material, minimize contamination risks, and ensure accurate labeling of kratom products in order to enhance consumer confidence and safety. Participants also discussed the need for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Consumer protection. Speakers described the need for clear information about potential risks and benefits and providing access to credible, evidence-based resources for consumers to make informed decisions. Symposium discussions highlighted the importance of implementing regulations, such as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, to establish quality control standards, product testing requirements, and labeling guidelines to protect consumers from adulterated or mislabeled kratom products. Stakeholders emphasized the need for consumer education initiatives to raise awareness about safe kratom use practices, potential interactions with other substances, and the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before using kratom.
"As kratom grows in popularity around the world, so does scrutiny," said conference organizer Christopher R. McCurdy, PhD, Associate Dean for Faculty Development, University of Florida. "Kratom holds promise in many areas, such as a potential replacement therapy for opioids, and may offer novel avenues for pain management, but comprehensive research is imperative to elucidate its efficacy, safety, and potential risks."
The active compounds found in leaf kratom are called alkaloids. Mitragynine, an indole alkaloid, is the most abundant psychoactive compound. Some of the minor alkaloids are speciociliatine, speciogynine, and paynantheine, among others. These alkaloids interact with receptors in the brain, influencing mood and energy levels. However, Leaf Kratom’s mechanism of action is complex and not fully understood.
In the U.S., kratom is gaining in consumer awareness and acceptance, with an estimated 15 million consumers. Kratom is consumed in various forms, such as leaf powders, extracts, concentrates, and isolates. It is often categorized as an herbal supplement, though its classification varies by region and country.
"The Leaf Kratom Coalition firmly believes that conducting thorough research on all forms of kratom is essential to ensure the well-being of consumers and to provide them with accurate information about its potential benefits and risks, ultimately enhancing the safety and integrity of kratom products available to consumers," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Leaf Kratom Coalition. "This and future Kratom Symposiums will aid in exchanging knowledge, discussing best practices, and collaboration on the way to a safe and regulated kratom market."
About the Leaf Kratom Coalition
The Leaf Kratom Coalition (LKC) exists to protect and expand access to leaf-based kratom around the world. The organization represents the interests of advocates committed to positive change benefiting consumers. The organization supports education, and the development of kratom science which is central to the LKC’s mission – to empower individuals worldwide with access to safe and responsibly sourced kratom products by advancing scientific research and sensible regulation.
The LKC operates on five key values:
- Access: The belief that individuals should have a choice as to how they look after their health, informed by the latest unbiased information available.
- Education: Providing accurate, evidence-based information about kratom (including on our website), allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
- Advocacy: Serving as a united voice for kratom consumers worldwide, seeking fair and sensible regulations that prioritize consumer safety, freedom of information, and good sourcing and manufacturing practices.
- Community: Fostering a global group of enthusiasts, experts, vendors, and advocates to promote the benefits of kratom and fight for informed and responsible use.
- Responsibility: Promoting the responsible use of kratom and encouraging vendors to adhere to strict quality and safety standards so that consumers have access to products that are safe, well-manufactured, and appropriately labeled.
Please follow us at:
Website: https://leafkratomcoalition.org/
Twitter: @kratomcoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leafkratomcoalition
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kratom_coalition/
Media Contact
Matthew Lowe
mlowe@leafkratomcoalition.org
Media Contact
Matthew Lowe
mlowe@leafkratomcoalition.org
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